Factors Associated with a Prolonged Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Diabetic Foot: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Red blood cell distribution width is an independent predictor of mortality following amputation for diabetic foot

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a prognostic factor in various disorders. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of RDW in patients undergoing amputation for diabetic foot. We retrospectively analyzed data on 415 patients who underwent diabetic foot amputation between January 2009 and January 2019. After establishing an optimal cutoff value of preoperative RDW for all-cause mortality, univariable and multivariable analyses with Cox proportional hazard model for survivorship and logistic regression analysis for prolonged hospital length of stay (> 30 days) were performed to identify significant prognostic factors. A preoperative RDW of 14.5% was the optimal cutoff value for predicting all-cause mortality. RDW ≥ 14.5% was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-4.19; P < 0.001) on multivariable Cox proportional model analysis. Preoperative RDW ≥ 14.5% was also associated with a prolonged hospital length of stay after surgery (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.29-3.66; P = 0.004). Higher preoperative RDW was an independent predictive factor for increased all-cause mortality and prolonged hospital length of stay after diabetic foot amputation. These results suggest that RDW may be a useful laboratory parameter for risk stratification in patients undergoing amputation for diabetic foot.

A retrospective cohort study on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been successfully integrated into a diverse array of surgical fields to improve the quality and efficacy of treatment intervention. Nonetheless, the application of the ERAS protocol for patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) subsequent to undergoing surgical procedures has not been previously explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an enhanced recovery protocol on perioperative outcomes in patients with DFU following surgical procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 patients with DFU who underwent surgery between January 2020 and December 2021 at a tertiary referral care center. In total, 57 patients received standard perioperative care (the non-ERAS group), and 55 patients received ERAS care (the ERAS group). The primary outcomes included the length of stay (LOS), wound healing time, patient satisfaction, and costs, serving as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of the two approaches. Secondary outcomes included preoperative anxiety (APAIS score), nutritional status (PG-SGA), pain (NRS score), the incidence of lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the reduction in lower-limb circumference, and the activity of daily living scale (Barthel Index). The ERAS group exhibited significantly shorter LOS (11.36 vs. 26.74 days; P < 0.001) and lower hospital costs (CNY 62,165.27 vs. CNY 118,326.84; P < 0.001), as well as a higher patient satisfaction score and Barthel Index score (P < 0.05). Additionally, we found a lower APAIS score, incidence of DVT, and circumference reduction in lower limbs in the ERAS group compared to the non-ERAS group (P < 0.05). In comparison, the wound healing time, nutritional status, and pain levels of participants in both groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). By reducing the LOS and hospital costs, and by minimizing perioperative complications, the ERAS protocol improves the quality and efficacy of treatment intervention in patients with DFU who underwent surgical procedures.Trial registration number: ChiCTR 2200064223 (Registration Date: 30/09/2022).

A Preliminary Study on Factors That Drive Patient Variability in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues

Adipose tissue is a dynamic regulatory organ that has profound effects on the overall health of patients. Unfortunately, inconsistencies in human adipose tissues are extensive and multifactorial, including large variability in cellular sizes, lipid content, inflammation, extracellular matrix components, mechanics, and cytokines secreted. Given the high human variability, and since much of what is known about adipose tissue is from animal models, we sought to establish correlations and patterns between biological, mechanical, and epidemiological properties of human adipose tissues. To do this, twenty-six independent variables were cataloged for twenty patients, which included patient demographics and factors that drive health, obesity, and fibrosis. A factorial analysis for mixed data (FAMD) was used to analyze patterns in the dataset (with BMI > 25), and a correlation matrix was used to identify interactions between quantitative variables. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2) gene expression were the highest loadings in the first two dimensions of the FAMD. The number of adipocytes was also a key driver of patient-related differences, where a decrease in the density of adipocytes was associated with aging. Aging was also correlated with a decrease in overall lipid percentage of subcutaneous tissue, with lipid deposition being favored extracellularly, an increase in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), and an increase in M1 macrophage polarization. An important finding was that self-identified race contributed to variance between patients in this study, where Black patients had significantly lower gene expression levels of TGFβ1 and ACTA2. This finding supports the urgent need to account for patient ancestry in biomedical research to develop better therapeutic strategies for all patients. Another important finding was that TGFβ induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1), an understudied signaling molecule, which is highly correlated with leptin signaling, was correlated with metabolic inflammation. Furthermore, this study draws attention to what we define as "extracellular lipid droplets", which were consistently found in collagen-rich regions of the obese adipose tissues evaluated here. Reduced levels of TGIF1 were correlated with higher numbers of extracellular lipid droplets and an inability to suppress fibrotic changes in adipose tissue. Finally, this study indicated that M1 and M2 macrophage markers were correlated with each other and leptin in patients with a BMI > 25. This finding supports growing evidence that macrophage polarization in obesity involves a complex, interconnecting network system rather than a full switch in activation patterns from M2 to M1 with increasing body mass. Overall, this study reinforces key findings in animal studies and identifies important areas for future research, where human and animal studies are divergent. Understanding key drivers of human patient variability is required to unravel the complex metabolic health of unique patients.

Association of multidrug-resistant bacteria and clinical outcomes in patients with infected diabetic foot in a Peruvian hospital: A retrospective cohort analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI) in a Peruvian hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients treated in the Diabetic Foot Unit of a General Hospital in Lima, Peru. MDRB was defined by resistance to more than two pharmacological groups across six clinically significant genera. The primary outcome was death due to DFI complications and/or major amputation. Other outcomes included minor amputation, hospitalization, and a hospital stay longer than 14 days. Relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression for all outcomes.

RESULTS

The study included 192 DFI patients with a mean age of 59.9 years; 74% were males. A total of 80.8% exhibited MDRB. The primary outcome had an incidence rate of 23.2% and 5.4% in patients with and without MDRB, respectively (p = 0.01). After adjusting for sex, age, bone involvement, severe infection, ischemia, diabetes duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin, MDRB showed no association with the primary outcome (RR 3.29; 95% CI, 0.77-13.9), but did with hospitalization longer than 14 days (RR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04-1.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found no association between MDRB and increased mortality and/or major amputation due to DFI complications, but did find a correlation with prolonged hospitalization. The high proportion of MDRB could limit the demonstration of the relationship. It is urgent to apply continuous evaluation of bacterial resistance, implement a rational plan for antibiotic use, and maintain biosafety to confront this threat.

Predictors of operative management in diabetic foot ulcers

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Surgery plays a key role in the management of complicated diabetic foot disease (DFD). Currently, indications for medical versus surgical management are poorly defined. Prompt identification of patients who require surgery may reduce morbidities and length of hospital stay. This study aims to analyse factors in DFD that necessitate early surgical interventions.

METHODS

All patients admitted under a multi-disciplinary diabetic foot team in a tertiary institution over 2 years were included in a retrospective case-control study comparing patients who received medical management and patients who received surgical management. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with surgical management of diabetic foot complications.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty patients were included. 49% of patients required surgical management. Toe ulceration, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and the presence of osteomyelitis were associated with surgical management. Multivariate analysis calculated an odds ratio (OR) of 1.01 for CRP (p < 0.001), OR 2.19 (p < 0.019) favouring surgical management for forefoot ulcers, and OR 2.2 (p < 0.019) if osteomyelitis was present.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with elevated CRP levels, a forefoot diabetic ulcer and established osteomyelitis were more likely to undergo surgical management. Prompt recognition of these patients has the potential benefit of earlier decision making in definitive surgical interventions.

Dilute Povidone-Iodine Solution Soaking Is Ineffective in Improving Outcomes of Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Diabetic Foot

ABSTRACT

Wound soaking is a physical debridement method that helps reduce bacterial colonization and consequently promotes wound healing. Although soaking in povidone-iodine solution was ineffective in reducing bacterial colonization in acute trauma wounds, there is still a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of this method in treating severe soft tissue infection. This study aimed to explore the effects of wound soaking in 1% dilute povidone-iodine solution on necrotizing fasciitis caused by diabetic foot ulcers. We retrospectively reviewed and finally included 153 patients who were admitted because of diabetic foot ulcers after undergoing fasciotomy for necrotizing infection from January 2018 to December 2021. Results showed no statistical difference in the outcomes between patients in the soaking and nonsoaking groups. End-stage renal disease (P = 0.029) and high serum C-reactive protein level (P = 0.007) were the only independent factors for below-knee amputation in the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Therefore, soaking diabetic wounds with severe infection in 1% dilute povidone-iodine solution may not reduce the hospital length of stay, risk of below-knee amputation, and readmission rate.

A Pilot Study to Explore a Correlation between Inflammatory Markers and the Wound Healing Rate in Diabetic Patients

Background and objectives: We examined whether there is a significant correlation between inflammatory markers and the wound healing rate (WHR) in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into two groups depending on the completion of wound healing (WH) at 5 weeks: the early WH group (period of WH < 5 weeks; n = 27) and the late WH group (period of WH > 5 weeks; n = 33). The baseline characteristics and wound measurements were compared between the two groups. To identify the correlation between inflammatory markers (e.g., white blood cell counts (WBCs), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and WHR, we performed a Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The WHR was 8.06 ± 4.02 mm2/day in the early WH group and 2.71 ± 0.88 mm2/day in the late group. This difference reached statistical significance (p < 0.001). Moreover, WBC counts were significantly higher and serum levels of CRP and ESR were significantly lower in the early WH group than in the late group (p = 0.027, 0.036 and 0.043, respectively). Conclusions: Our results indicate that WBC as well as serum CRP and ESR levels have a significant correlation with WHR in diabetic patients.

A Comparison of Adverse Short-Term Outcomes Following Forefoot Amputation Performed on an Inpatient Versus Outpatient Basis

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate short-term adverse outcomes following forefoot amputation with a specific comparison between those procedures performed on an inpatient versus outpatient basis. The 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was interrogated to select those subjects with a 28805 current procedural terminology code (amputation, foot; transmetatarsal) that underwent the procedure with "all layers of incision (deep and superficial) fully closed." This resulted in 326 subjects who underwent the procedure on an inpatient basis and 72 subjects who underwent the procedure on an outpatient basis. Results of the primary outcome measures found no significant differences between groups with respect to the development of a superficial surgical site infection (5.8% vs 5.6%; p = .950), deep incisional infection (3.4% vs 5.6%; p = .380), or wound disruption (3.4% vs 6.9%; p = .163). Additionally, no significant differences were observed between groups with respect to unplanned reoperations (15.6% vs 12.5%; p = .500) or unplanned hospital readmissions (21.8% vs 23.6%; p = .957). The results of this investigation demonstrate no difference in short-term adverse outcomes following the performance of forefoot amputation with primary closure when the procedure is performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. We hope that this information is utilized in future investigations specifically examining this clinical scenario as it relates to hospital admission criteria related to lower extremity tissue loss, length of hospital stay considerations, the timing of partial foot amputation following revascularization, and the economics of limb preservation.

Analysis of routine blood markers for predicting amputation/re-amputation risk in diabetic foot

Diabetic foot is challenging progressive disease which requires multisystemic control. Neuropathy, arteriopathy, and cellular responses should treated collaboratively. Despite all medical advances, diabetic foot can highly resulted with amputation and also re-amputation can be required because of failed wound healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between blood parameters and amputation events. Diabetic 323 patients include to the study who referred to orthopaedic clinic for amputation. Amputation levels (amputation levels phalanx, metatarsal, lisfranc, syme, below knee, knee-disarticulation, above-knee amputation) and re-amputations recorded and compared with routine blood parameters. Re-amputation was observed at 69 patients. The significant difference detected between lower albumin, higher HbA1c, higher CRP levels (P < 0.05) in regards to gross amputation levels, and increased wound depth. Furthermore, lower albumin levels and higher levels of WBC, HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine were detected in re-amputation levels. Especially, HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine levels were found as upper bound of reference line for re-amputation. The statistically optimal HbA1c cutoff point for diabetes was ≥7.05%, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 59%. In according to our results, simple blood parameters can be useful for observing the progress of amputation in diabetic foot. Particularly, lower albumin, and higher HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine levels detected as related with poor prognosis. Besides, screening of HbA1c level seems to be highly sensitive for detecting of re-amputation possibility.

Determinants of wound healing in patients hospitalized for diabetic foot ulcer: results from the MEDFUN study

OBJECTIVE

The high amputation rates from diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in Nigeria and prolonged hospitalization due to poor wound healing is a source of concern. Furthermore, factors that affect wound healing of DFUs have not yet been well studied in Nigeria, whereas knowing these factors could improve DFU outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with the wound healing in patients hospitalized for DFU.

METHODS

The Multi-Center Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Nigeria (MEDFUN) was an observational study involving 336 diabetic patients hospitalized for DFU and managed by a multi-disciplinary team until discharge or death. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics were documented. Test statistics used were chi square, t-test, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression. The study endpoints were ulcer healing, LEA, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. Here we present data on wound healing.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age was 55.9±12.5 years. Univariate predictors of wound healing were ulcer duration more than 1 month prior to hospitalization (p<0.001), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p<0.001), foot gangrene (p<0.001), Ulcer grade ≥3 (p=0.002), proteinuria (p=0.005), anemia (p=0.009), renal impairment (p=0.021), glycated hemoglobin ≥7% (0.012), and osteomyelitis (p<0.001). On multivariate regression, osteomyelitis was the strongest independent predictor of wound healing after adjusting for all other variables (OR 0.035; 95% CI 0.004-0.332). This was followed by PAD (OR 0.093; 95% CI 0.028-0.311), ulcer duration >1 month (OR 0.109; 95% CI 0.030-0.395), anemia (OR 0.179; 95% CI 0.056-0.571).

CONCLUSION

Presence of osteomyelitis, duration of ulcer greater than 1 month, PAD, Wagner grade 3 or higher, proteinuria, presence of gangrene, anemia, renal impairment, and HbA1c ≥7% were the significant predictors of wound healing in patients hospitalized for DFU. Early identification and prompt attention to these factors in a diabetic foot wound might significantly improve healing and reduce adverse outcomes such as amputation and death.

Comparing hospital stay and patient satisfaction in a resource poor setting using conventional and locally adapted negative pressure wound dressing methods in management of leg ulcers with split skin grafts: a comparative prospective study

Introduction

chronic leg ulcers cause a prolonged hospital stay with devastating effects on the patients. Several modifiable factors are taken care of to reduce the duration of stay. A further measure to hasten wound bed preparation pre-grafting and to hasten graft healing post-grafting is with negative pressure dressing.

Methods

sixty-two patients were placed in two groups of 31 cases each. The wound beds were prepared with negative pressure apparatus locally adapted with suction machine for group A and with conventional gauze dressing using 5% povidone iodine soaks for group B. Grafted wound was also dressed similarly for the respective groups. Grafts were inspected on the 5^th post-operative day and were determined with planimeter grid. Grafts were monitored until completely healed and patients were discharged. Satisfaction and length of stay were determined at discharge.

Results

the mean hospital stay pre-grafting and post-grafting were 12.2 (±8.64) days and 13.6 (±2.03) days respectively for the negative pressure dressing and 28.8 (±30.9) days and 21.8 (±21.97) days respectively for the traditional dressing group. These differences with p values of 0.038 for the pre-grafting stay and 0.006 for the post-grafting stay were statistically significant. The patients managed with negative pressure dressing also recorded greater satisfaction with the process and the outcome.

Conclusion

negative pressure dressing contributes significantly to reducing the length of hospital stay in chronic leg ulcers both in wound bed preparation and in graft healing resulting to better patient satisfaction than in patients treated with conventional gauze dressing and 5% povidone iodine soaks.